Dubai Secures Bid to Host Rugby World Cup Matches, Confirms World Rugby

The decisive event is scheduled to take place from the 8th to the 18th of November, 2025 at The Sevens Stadium.

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This final chapter in the qualification journey will determine the 24th and last team to earn their place at the Rugby World Cup, that will be hosted across Australia from October 1st to November 13th 2027.

Four teams will compete in a round-robin format across three match-days, in the vibrant rugby hub of Dubai. The team finishing top of the standings will secure the final coveted place to Rugby World Cup 2027, completing the line-up for what promises to be the biggest edition of the tournament to date.

Belgium are the first team confirmed to participate in the event, having finished fifth in the Rugby Europe Championship 2025. They will be joined by three more teams still to be determined through ongoing regional qualification pathways; the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, the Asia Rugby Championship 2025, the Sudamérica Rugby Championship, and the Pacific Nations Cup 2025.

Representing four continents, the decision to widen the net of participating teams reflect the global growth of the game, and the increasing competitiveness of emerging rugby nations.

Rugby World Cup 2027 will kick-off a new era for the sport as the first edition to feature an expanded format with 24 teams, a new round of 16 and increasing the number of matches to 52. This evolution builds on the success and momentum of recent tournaments, creating more opportunities for teams to compete at the highest level, while delivering greater value for fans, broadcasters and partners alike.

For the first time in the professional era, the men’s pool draw will take place with all 24 participating teams confirmed. Scheduled for December 2025, the draw will be based on the World Rugby Men’s Rankings at the end of the November international window. This approach ensures a more accurate and up-to-date seeding process and adds significant weight to every international test match played in the remainder of the calendar year.

With the rankings set to determine the banding of teams for the draw, every result between now and December could directly impact the makeup of the six pools of four. Fixtures played during the British and Irish Lions tour this Summer, will not be counted towards the rankings used for Rugby World Cup seeding purposes.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The Final Qualification Tournament is always a thrilling, do-or-die moment in the build-up to Rugby World Cup – and it’s fitting that we bring it to a world-class destination like Dubai.

"As we head towards the most inclusive and globally representative tournament ever, with 24 teams competing in an expanded format and at least one nation from each of our regional associations, this final step on the ‘Journey to Australia 2027’ will be a celebration of ambition, resilience and the global spirit of rugby. We cannot wait to see which team earns the final place and joins us for what promises to be a unique celebration of rugby and Australia in 2027.”

With the qualification process entering its final stages and excitement continuing to build across all regions, the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai is set to be a decisive moment on the road to Rugby World Cup 2027 and a fitting conclusion to the global qualification journey.

The popular referee selected his picks for Wales Online, but set out at the start that he wouldn't be picking any Welshman in his selection.

"I am not going to include any Welsh players on my list because I haven’t refereed them in international matches.

"Anyway, these are my top Test skippers ranked, Welshmen aside."

The flanker is a former English rugby union player who captained the national team from 2012 to 2015.

Known for his exceptional work rate and leadership skills, Robshaw was a dynamic flanker who made a significant impact on the field. He enjoyed a successful club career with Harlequins, where he played for over a decade. Robshaw's dedication and commitment to the sport earned him numerous accolades and the respect of his peers.

Off the field, he is admired for his philanthropic efforts, using his platform to support various charitable causes.

Owens said: "Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch."

He is a retired South African rugby union player who made a lasting impact on the international stage.

As a versatile back, he showcased his skills and leadership abilities as the captain of the Springboks from 2012 to 2015.

De Villiers' playing career spanned over a decade, during which he exhibited exceptional athleticism and a powerful presence on the field.

He was widely respected for his tactical knowledge, unwavering commitment, and ability to inspire his teammates.

De Villiers remains an influential figure in the rugby world and continues to contribute to the sport through coaching and commentary.

Owens said: "He was not only a great rugby player but also a great leader and a great man. Whenever I came across him on the field, he impressed me."

McCaw is a legendary New Zealand rugby union player widely regarded as one of the greatest openside flankers in the history of the game.

The flankers career was defined by his exceptional skills, relentless work rate, and unparalleled leadership abilities.

He captained the All Blacks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, solidifying his status as a true icon of the sport.

Known for his ability to win turnovers and dominate the breakdown, McCaw's impact on the game was immeasurable. Beyond his playing career, he continues to be an influential figure, inspiring future generations of rugby players.

Owens said: "He’s right up on any list of rugby’s greatest players.

"Maybe he will be at the top for many people.

"New Zealand won something like nine out of every 10 games in which he led them, but the mark of Richie McCaw was how he conducted himself when the All Blacks lost."

O'Connell is a former Irish rugby union player known for his towering presence and exceptional leadership skills.

As a lock, he captained Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, leading them to memorable victories. O'Connell's fearless competitiveness and humility made him a respected figure in the rugby community.

Meanwhile, O'Driscoll is an iconic Irish rugby union player and one of the greatest centres in the game's history.

His exceptional skill set, speed, and agility made him a constant threat on the field. O'Driscoll captained both Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

Owens said: "I’m classing this as a joint-ticket as whenever I seemed to ref Ireland in their day O’Driscoll was captain and O’Connell was vice-skipper.

"O’Driscoll actually used to tell me if there were issues with the forwards then I should chat to O’Connell.

I found them excellent to deal with."

Dusautoir is a retired French rugby union player renowned for his incredible defensive skills and fearless tackling. As a flanker, he captained the French national team from 2009 to 2015 and was a key figure in their formidable defense.

The flankers physicality, tenacity, and ability to disrupt opponents' play made him a formidable force on the field. He earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2011.

Dusautoir's leadership and dedication to the sport have left a lasting legacy, inspiring aspiring rugby players around the world.

Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was.

"He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well."